Google for Education is excited to announce the launch of the K12 Cybersecurity Guidebook (goo.gle/k12-cyber-guide), a free, external-friendly resource for K-12 institutions globally to help them improve their security posture and better protect their users, data, and school environments.
The guidebook provides schools with security best practices, organized by theme, that offer an in-depth look into setup, configuration, and risk-management strategies for any devices and systems that schools might be using. It also discusses Google’s approach to security in education, including the benefits of, and best practices for, using Chromebooks and Workspace for Education.
Background
Educational institutions are top targets for cyber attacks, with bad actors looking to exploit schools’ data-rich environments for their own profit. 46% of schools who have yet to be targeted believe they’ll eventually be hit because ransomware attacks are getting more sophisticated — and harder to stop. And 42% of these schools think ransomware is so prevalent that an attack is just inevitable.
Overview
The guidebook is presented in 2 parts:
- The first section is a 2-page introduction with 5 key recommendations for IT admins to implement across their devices and systems, including:
- Using secure authentication
- Applying appropriate security policies and settings
- Updating and upgrading their systems
- Using real-time alerting and monitoring
- Training teachers, staff, and students
- The second section takes an in-depth look at each of the 5 recommendations, including general best practices for schools using non-Google devices and systems, and specific tips and tricks for schools using Chromebooks and Google Workspace for Education.
Feel free to share the guide with your colleagues, staff, and communities, as you see fit.
